Patna: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has begun the online application process for school affiliation for the 2027–28 academic year, offering schools a fully digital platform through the Saras 7.0 portal. This initiative aims to make the process more transparent, efficient, and accessible. While the main deadline for applications is July 31, certain categories of schools can continue to apply throughout the year, providing flexibility to meet specific needs.
Schools seeking new affiliation, upgrades to secondary or senior secondary levels, branch openings, two-shift operations, or changes in management, land, or subjects—especially science—must now complete the process online. CBSE has issued detailed guidelines for each category, and school authorities are urged to review them carefully to avoid mistakes that could delay or even reject their applications.
Keeping information updated on the portal is now mandatory. Schools must upload details about teacher qualifications, infrastructure, libraries, laboratories, and other essential facilities. Schools with affiliation valid until 31 March 2027 must apply for an extension in time, and those following the middle-class curriculum should apply for upgrades within five years. Inspections for new affiliations or major changes may be conducted physically or virtually, while affiliation extensions are mostly automated to simplify the process.
Education leaders have welcomed the move, calling it a step toward modernizing school administration. Shamayel Ahmed, President of the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association, said the online system would increase transparency and speed up school accreditation, ultimately creating a better educational environment for students across India. CBSE’s digital initiative is expected to make school management more accountable and organized in the years ahead.
